Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of Frederick, Maryland, met on August 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting covered several demolition review requests, an administrative approval report, and a level one review of a proposed infill project. The commission approved minutes with amendments, approved administrative reports, and made unanimous decisions on all demolition review cases, including a continuance for one property. The main case, HPC24-518 at 107 S. East Street, received unanimous approval to proceed to level two review. Consent Calendar - No consent items were presented at this meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - A representative from the Frederick Lodge No. 371 of the Loyal Order of the Moose (owner of 828 E. Patrick Street) asked for clarification regarding the staff recommendation not to pursue historic designation. Staff explained that while the lodge has community significance, the building itself does not meet high significance criteria for designation. The representative expressed relief and thanked the commission. - No public comments were made regarding the demolition review for 1611 W. 7th Street (partial demolition) or for the continuation of 301 Grove Boulevard. - For the 107 S. East Street project, one public comment letter was received from Jake Thurman of 814 N. Market Street, which was noted by staff as in favor of the project. The applicant, Ed Wormald of Wormald Development Company, highlighted that this was the only letter received and that it strongly supported the project, recognizing the need for residential dwellings downtown. Discussion Items - Administrative Approval Report: Staff reported that 23 projects were reviewed and approved administratively in July 2024. The report was entered into the record. - HPC24-648DR – 828 E. Patrick Street (Demolition Review): Staff recommended not pursuing historic designation for the Frederick Lodge No. 371 building, constructed circa 1971, noting it is not individually eligible despite some community significance. The commission unanimously voted not to pursue designation, allowing demolition to proceed. - HPC24-657DR – 301 Grove Boulevard (Demolition Review): The applicant requested a continuance to the September 12, 2024, HPC meeting. The commission unanimously approved the continuance. - HPC24-676DR – 1611 W. 7th Street (Partial Demolition Review): Staff recommended not pursuing designation for the circa 1955 dwelling, as it does not meet criteria for significance. The commission unanimously voted not to pursue designation, allowing the partial demolition (rear wall and main roof) to proceed. - HPC24-518 – 107 S. East Street (Level 1 Infill Review): This is a proposed up to seven-story infill project along Carroll Creek. Staff presented a detailed report noting that the design evolved through workshops to address commission concerns about massing, height, and scale. The project will require a phase one archaeological assessment before site plan approval. The commission praised the applicant's thorough response and approved the level one review, with a caution to better define rooftop mechanical equipment screening during level two review. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from July 25, 2024, were approved unanimously with minor amendments. - HPC24-648DR – 828 E. Patrick Street: Unanimous vote to not pursue historic designation; demolition certificate to be issued. - HPC24-657DR – 301 Grove Boulevard: Unanimous vote to continue to September 12, 2024. - HPC24-676DR – 1611 W. 7th Street: Unanimous vote to not pursue historic designation; partial demolition allowed. - HPC24-518 – 107 S. East Street: Unanimous vote to approve level one review and proceed to level two review. - Next Steps: For 107 S. East Street, the applicant must complete a phase one archaeological assessment before site plan approval. The commission will review final details (texture, openings, lighting, landscaping, etc.) during level two review.

The workshop on August 7, 2024, at 3:00 PM included two items: proposed revisions to the City's IT policy handbook and a detailed discussion on a proposed rezoning and master plan for the Worman's Mill Court Apartments. No formal votes were taken; the IT policy will be brought back for approval in September, and the rezoning matter will be scheduled for a future public hearing after additional information is provided. Consent Calendar - The minutes from July 24, 2024, were approved unanimously (4–0–1, with Alderman Shackelford joining via Teams). Discussion Items 1. Proposed Revisions to the Policies and Procedures Handbook – IT Policy - Matt Bowman, IT Manager, presented revisions to the employee IT policy aimed at reorganizing, modernizing, and formalizing recent security initiatives. The policy covers approximately 90–95% of the same material as the current version, emphasizing acceptable use, network security, and no expectation of privacy. Staff noted that employees are the first line of defense and that regular training is critical. No public comments were made. The item will return for approval at the first meeting in September. 2. Discussion of Proposed Rezoning and Master Plan for Worman's Mill Court Apartments (Rezone to MU-2, 5,000 sf nonresidential, 315 dwelling units) - Staff Presentation: Pam (staff) outlined the applicant's request to rezone three parcels (11.74 acres) from General Commercial and Light Industrial to MU-2 (Mixed Use), along with a master plan. Staff recommended denial due to the proposal not meeting the intent of mixed use (reducing nonresidential from 15% to 4.4%), but provided a list of conditions should the Board decide to approve. Key issues included: limited access (only one primary access via Worman's Mill Court; Hum Lane recommended for emergency access only), floodplain and stream buffer setbacks (100-foot required, applicant sought reduction), overhead power lines limiting development, and the need for a shared-use path (Rails with Trails) crossing Maryland Route 26. The Planning Commission had recommended approval (4–1 on the master plan; 5–0 on the rezoning, with two modifications denied). - Applicant Presentation: Bruce Dean, Faraz Kumsia (Standard Communities), and Chris Mariga presented. Standard Communities, a national affordable housing developer, emphasized the site's challenges (floodplain, power lines, awkward shape) and argued that the only viable use is affordable housing. They noted that the Becker parcel is zoned for residential in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. They offered to contribute funds equivalent to at-grade trail construction for the shared-use path, and to improve Hum Lane with pedestrian access. They stated that without approval within 30 days, they would lose the property contracts. The applicant requested modifications to reduce nonresidential requirements, adjust setbacks, allow parking in front due to power lines, and permit access via Hum Lane (at least right-in/right-out). - Board Discussion: Aldermen expressed concerns about: - Inadequate vehicular access (only one main entrance, emergency-only on Hum Lane). - The proposed modifications not being sufficiently compensated by the project's affordable housing component. - The timeline of the shared-use path (no funding for construction, uncertain completion date). - Floodplain and stream buffer setbacks (staff cited 100 feet; applicant referenced 50 feet). - Lack of detail on pedestrian connectivity and trail design. - Alderman Kazemchak noted she had previously listed the property and was familiar with its challenges. Alderman Russell and Nash emphasized the need for trade-offs (compensating features) for modifications. Alderman Shackelford asked about benefits of affordable housing in that location. Alderman McShane supported moving forward, noting that the site's constraints naturally limit uses and that affordable housing is a valuable compensating feature. The mayor suggested scheduling a follow-up workshop on August 21 to allow staff and applicant to provide answers to outstanding questions (e.g., number of MU-2 projects with single access, precise setback requirements, timeline for the trail, and potential additional community benefits). The public hearing could then be set for September 5. Key Outcomes - IT Policy: No action taken; will be brought back for approval in September 2024. - Worman's Mill Rezoning: No vote taken. The Board agreed to hold an additional workshop on August 21, 2024, to address questions raised. Staff and the applicant will provide supplementary information on access, setbacks, trail timeline, and possible proffers. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for September 5, 2024, subject to the workshop's outcome. - Elected Officials' Comments: Alderman Nash noted a recent affordable housing conference; Alderman Russell promoted Car-Free Day (September 23); Alderman Shackelford was recovering from surgery; Alderman McShane reported on the Good Jobs Great Cities Academy and National Night Out events.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, met on August 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the June 6, 2024 minutes (motion by Alderwoman Nash, second by Alderman McCzemchek; passed 4-0, with Alderman McShane initially absent). The meeting featured extensive public comment on a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, followed by a public hearing on two contracts: school crossing guard services and HVAC maintenance at the Talley Recreation Center. Public Comments & Testimony - Tina Meadows O'Rear urged the council to sponsor the "Frederick Cease Fire Now" resolution, citing the arrest of protesters and calling for an arms embargo. She stated that silence is complicity in genocidal acts. - Willie Mahone, president of the local NAACP, expressed full support for the resolution on behalf of the organization after detailed discussions. He drew parallels between the Palestinian experience and African American history, citing settler colonialism, lack of due process, and destruction of communities. - James P. Wagner analogized the proposed resolution to the city’s 2022 resolution on nuclear disarmament (Resolution 22-14), arguing that the city has previously taken stands on federal policy and that the widening war poses a threat to municipalities. - Yusuf, a 10-year-old resident, spoke about children in Gaza suffering, losing limbs, and missing school. He stated that U.S. weapons are being used in the conflict and urged the council to endorse a ceasefire. - Sultan Monsour, a Palestinian American, detailed casualties (40,000 killed, half children), destruction of homes, and the use of U.S. tax dollars. He asked which side of history the council would be on. - Kais Minubi, a U.S. Army veteran, asked the council to support the ceasefire, citing his personal experience with war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. - Courtney Carter, retired Hood College professor, emphasized that abandoning international law and allowing the killing of civilians would lead to a loss of U.S. global standing. She urged the council to be on the right side of history. - Zachary, a young speaker, recited a poem calling for a ceasefire and peace. - Al Peterson, a Frederick resident and grandson of a U.S. Army captain, urged the council to act, stating that the pen is mightier than the bullet and that the city’s resolution would amplify pressure on federal representatives. - Tasneem, a mother and educator who recently returned from Palestine, pleaded with the council to endorse the resolution for the sake of children watching, asking what they would have done during past atrocities. No council action was taken on the ceasefire resolution; it was brought forward only during public comment. Public Hearing: School Crossing Guard Contract - Item X.A.1: Approval of a contract with All County Management Services (ACMS) for school crossing guards for the upcoming school year, expanding from 11 to 13 locations. Lt. Corbett of the police department presented, noting the vendor has been used since 2017 with good results. The contract piggybacks on Frederick County’s contract; the city’s rate is $28.86/hour. Alderman Russell raised concerns about potential wage disparities between city and county crossing guards, stating she had asked this question for three years. She requested information on county wages. After discussion, the motion to approve (moved by Alderman Russell, seconded by Alderman McShane) passed 4-1, with Alderman McCzemchek opposed. Public Hearing: HVAC Maintenance at Talley Recreation Center - Item X.A.2: Approval of a 4-year agreement with McClure Company for HVAC maintenance at the Talley Recreation Center. Sean Poulin, Superintendent of Recreation, noted the system has 30 individual units. No public comment. Motion to approve (moved by Alderman McCzemchek, seconded by Alderman McShane) passed unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: June 6, 2024, meeting minutes approved 4-0 (Alderman McShane absent at time of vote). - School crossing guard contract: Approved 4-1. Alderman Russell’s request for county wage comparability data was noted; staff promised to provide it. - HVAC maintenance contract: Approved 5-0. - No action on ceasefire resolution: The council did not sponsor or vote on the proposed resolution, despite multiple public speakers urging them to do so. - The meeting adjourned after alderwoman comments with no further business.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on July 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting covered two major agenda items: a discussion of proposed amendments to Section 608 of the Land Management Code concerning parks and open space, and a presentation of the Westside Regional Park Action Plan. The board approved the minutes from July 17, 2024, and received public comments on both items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 17, 2024): Motion by Alderman McShane, second by Alderwoman Nash. Approved 3-0-1, with Alderwoman Kazemchak abstaining and Alderman McShane not present. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Section 608 amendments): Jim Smurston, a downtown resident, spoke in favor of adding flexibility to the criteria for qualifying city parks and suggested the city develop a five-year plan for using accumulated fee-in-lieu funds. - Item 2 (Westside Regional Park): - Lance English: Expressed disappointment that the plan focused on a community center rather than traditional park amenities like an aquatic center and soccer fields; suggested renaming it “Westside Regional Community Center.” - Steve Jakupsic (downtown resident): Commended the consultants for developing a financially feasible plan under the given parameters; expressed hope that future phases beyond the community center would be realized. - Chris McDonald (Executive Director, Golden Mile Alliance): Thanked the Osherman Family Foundation and the board; offered full support and urged adoption of the plan. Discussion Items - Item 1: Discussion of Opportunities to Amend Section 608 (Parks and Open Space) - Gabrielle Callard (Planning Department) presented several alternatives: allowing fee-in-lieu funds to be used for park improvements and connectivity, accepting parkland dedications smaller than three acres, revising the waiver process, scaling dedication requirements by unit type, setting fees by resolution rather than appraisal, adjusting the timing of parkland acceptance, and permitting acceptance of land with higher percentages of environmentally sensitive areas. - Board positions: - Alderwoman Nash questioned the rational nexus between using fees for improvements rather than land acquisition, though she supported using fees for pathways to parks. - Alderwoman Kazemchak expressed support for a broader definition of capacity and for streamlining modifications to accept floodplain land, noting that such changes would provide certainty and reflect updated city values. - Alderman McShane favored project-specific phasing plans over a blanket 75% threshold for parkland acceptance and emphasized the need for clear parameters when granting discretion to the planning commission. - Alderwoman Russell raised concerns about the cost of maintaining smaller parks and suggested the board regularly review the fee structure; she also asked that affordable housing projects be considered in the changes. - Staff will begin drafting ordinance language and consult with the Parks and Recreation Commission. - Item 2: Westside Regional Park Action Plan - Mark DuCampo (Director of Strategic Planning) introduced the plan, developed over six months with community engagement and consultant support from Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). - Dan Morton (SFC) presented three main options: 1. Option 1 – Community Center (≈$7.8 million): 24,000 sq ft facility with one basketball court (multi-purpose), flexible community space, two multi-purpose grass fields, a Little League field, and trails. Expected to require operational subsidy. 2. Option 2 – Community Center Plus (≈$61.7 million): 101,000 sq ft with additional court, fitness center, indoor aquatics, medical lease space, and turf fields; projected to be operationally sustainable after a 2–3 year ramp-up. 3. Option 3 – Sports Tourism Fields (≈$26.2 million): 10 multi-purpose turf fields (with baseball/softball capability) and supporting infrastructure; could generate 41,000 room nights and $23 million in annual economic impact. - Additional private development opportunities (e.g., indoor recreation, pickleball entertainment, stadium, mixed-use) were outlined, requiring public-private partnerships and potential rezoning. - Board positions: - Alderman McShane strongly advocated for moving forward with Option 1 immediately, citing available funding and land, and expressed skepticism that larger options would materialize soon. - Alderwoman Russell and Alderman McShane agreed on treating Option 1 as Phase 1, with future phases as additions, not alternatives. - Alderwoman Nash requested a full accounting of past expenditures on the property. - The consensus was to proceed with Option 1; staff will issue an RFP for the two fields and begin design of the community center. A resolution to formally adopt the plan was discussed but deemed unnecessary by some members; the mayor will consider bringing one forward. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Staff directed to begin drafting a text amendment for Section 608, incorporating feedback from the board, and to engage the Parks and Recreation Commission. - Item 2: The board gave clear direction to move forward with Option 1 (Community Center) as the first phase of Westside Regional Park. Staff will: - Immediately revise designs and issue RFPs for the two multi-purpose fields and the Little League field. - Begin pre-design and community engagement for the community center using the $7.5 million already budgeted. - Explore a public-private partnership (P3) advisor to evaluate future phases and financing options. - Alderwoman Nash requested a complete accounting of all city expenditures on the Westside Regional Park property from 2009 to present. - No formal vote was taken on the action plan, but the board’s consensus was recorded as sufficient to proceed.

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission held a public hearing on July 25, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was chaired by Paul Fitzgerald, with Commissioners Ann Hart and Alyssa Fortune present. (Note: The agenda listed Robert Van Rens as Chair, Anne Hart, and Iva Saller; the transcript indicates a different composition.) Staff included Christina Martinkosky, Sarah Hoffeditz, Iris Annan, and Tanzi Crayton. The commission reviewed several cases, including a demolition and replacement plan, a garage door replacement, and a rehabilitation project. Consent Calendar - HPC24-610 (24 E. 7th Street) – Rehabilitation request by Matthew Montenero & Lucia Woo. Approved unanimously (3-0) without discussion. Continuances - HPC24-518 (107 S East Street) – Level 1 application by Edward E. Wormald. Moved to the next regulatory hearing on August 8, 2024, due to lack of public notice. Discussion Items 5 E. 5th Street: Demolition (HPC24-584) and Addition (HPC24-535) - Demolition: Request to remove a one-story porch (post-1947) and a second-story wall on the rear L. Staff found the areas non-historic and recommended approval, conditioned on the replacement plan. The applicant agreed. The commission approved the demolition (3-0) with the condition that it is tied to an approved replacement plan and permit. - Addition: Replacement plan for a small rear addition. Staff recommended approval with conditions: submit product literature for exterior light, use a half-light door without groove panels or large decorative nail heads, and install a standing seam roof with 1-inch seams (or matching the existing roof). The applicant accepted. Approved unanimously (3-0). 15 S. Court Street: Garage Door Replacement (HPC24-599) - Applicant Robert Jacobs, representing the Citizen’s Truck Company (firehouse), requested replacement of three garage doors with insulated steel doors. The building is a contributing resource, and the current doors are metal that imitate wood. Staff recommended wood doors per guidelines, but noted the deviation clause. Mr. Jacobs argued that metal doors are safer, more durable, and better suited for the station’s heavy use (709 fire and 1,013 medic calls in 2024 to date). The commission found the deviation appropriate because the integrity of the streetscape and surrounding properties would not be compromised, and the resource would remain contributing. Approved (3-0) as proposed, with product literature to be submitted for final review. 122 E. Patrick Street: Rehabilitation (HPC24-609) - Applicant Julia Ferguson proposed three awnings, siding repair, and painting the rear brick wall. Staff approved the awnings and siding repair but recommended against painting the brick, as it is in good condition and unpainted. Ms. Ferguson agreed to leave the brick unpainted. The commission approved the awnings and siding repair (3-0) and denied the painting of the brick (3-0). Key Outcomes - Consent item approved: HPC24-610. - Demolition approved: HPC24-584, conditional on replacement plan. - Addition approved: HPC24-535, with conditions. - Garage door replacement approved: HPC24-599, as a deviation from guidelines. - Rehabilitation partially approved: HPC24-609 – awnings and siding approved, painting denied. - No public comments were offered during the citizen comment period.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on July 24, 2024, to discuss recommendations from the Charter Review Committee, which had been convened in January 2023 and submitted its final report in November 2023. The workshop focused on clarifying the committee's rationale for each recommendation and identifying areas of consensus among the aldermen. The board also approved routine agenda items and heard public comment. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of July 10, 2024, by a vote of 4-0. - Approved Release of Sureties (release of Great American Insurance Company bond for Sycamore Ridge, Phase 1 Mass Grading project in the amount of $327,239.69). - Approved Grants: First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding for East Street Rails with Trails; Grant agreement with Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation in the amount of $2,750. Public Comments & Testimony - Caroline Tonows, member of Rise, thanked the Charter Review Committee for listening to community members during meetings about non-citizen voting. - Oli Castilla, a Venezuelan asylum seeker and resident of Frederick for five years, expressed a desire to vote in local elections, advocating for non-citizen voting rights. Discussion Items - Charter Review Committee Recommendations: Committee Chair Tom Lynch and Vice Chair Megan Kirk led the discussion, supported by subcommittee chairs Stuart Harvey, John Von der Burke, Ron Pepe, Robert Van Rennes, and Marvin (last name not given). They addressed questions previously submitted by Aldermen Shackelford, Russell, and Nash. - City Council Districting: The committee recommended moving from 5 at-large seats to 4 districts and 3 at-large seats to balance representation. They cited concerns about parochialism seen in Annapolis’s 9-district model. - President of the City Council: The committee recommended the council elect its own president (not an at-large elected position), mirroring the county model, to avoid disadvantaging district candidates and to maintain a similar structure to the at-large/district mix. - Term Limits: The committee proposed a two-term limit for the mayor and a three-term limit for council members, not consecutive but total, to reduce incumbent advantage. They emphasized prospective application (starting with the 2025 election), consistent with legal guidance against retroactive limits. - Election Timing: The committee considered and rejected moving city elections to the presidential cycle, due to logistical issues (ranked-choice voting not supported by state infrastructure, ballot placement, and potential increase in partisan influence). They recommended keeping the current off-cycle schedule. - Compensation Commission: Recommendation 13—an independent commission to recommend salaries—was broadly supported, with details to be decided by ordinance. Discussion included whether the board could modify the commission’s recommendation; committee members argued for an accept-or-reject model to reduce politics. - Mandatory Chief Administrative Officer: The committee unanimously recommended requiring the mayor to appoint a CAO (subject to council confirmation), citing growing city complexity and alignment with county and state practices. They clarified this does not eliminate the mayor’s role but adds professional management. - Other Recommendations: Discussion covered qualifications for office (age 18, residency), legislative process, voting rights, mayoral appointees, city council authority over employees, charter review schedule, ethics ordinance references, and drafting provisions (e.g., renaming “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council”). - Status of Consensus: Alderman Shackelford, Alderman Nash, and Alderman McShane shared their positions. It was determined there is unanimous agreement on some recommendations (e.g., name change to City Council, qualifications, timing of elections unchanged, compensation commission concept, mayoral appointees, council authority over employees, charter review schedule) and lack of consensus on others (e.g., city structure, size of council, districting, term limits, legislative process). Key Outcomes - Vote Planned for September 2024: The board committed to moving forward with votes on charter recommendations in September. Unanimously supported items will be drafted into a single comprehensive resolution; other items will be presented as separate resolutions. - City Attorney Guidance: City Attorney Rachel Nesson will prepare draft resolutions based on the identified areas of consensus and will advise on legal sufficiency and drafting challenges. - Next Workshop: A follow-up workshop is scheduled for late August 2024 to finalize language and prepare for the September vote. - Public Notification: Staff will confirm advertising and public notice deadlines to ensure the timeline for the September vote is met.

The City of Frederick Zoning Board of Appeals convened on July 23, 2024, at 7:00 PM at City Hall (101 North Court Street) under the leadership of Chair Jim Racheff. The board, consisting of four members present (Racheff, Sisson, Hicks, Colar), conducted a regular meeting. Items included the approval of prior meeting minutes and a single new business item: a temporary use application for a construction office and storage facility. The board unanimously approved the application with conditions. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the May 28, 2024 meeting. Motion by Bob Sisson, seconded by Dixon Hicks, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the general public comment or on the specific case. Chair Racheff noted that a letter had been received expressing concern about construction impacts from the broader development, but he clarified that the application under consideration pertained only to the temporary office use and not the overall construction activity. Discussion Items - Case ZBA24-6TU – Temporary Use at 1730 N Market Street: The applicant, 1730 North Market Street LLC (represented by attorney Bridge Dean of McCurdy, Dean & Gronauer, and representatives of The Duffy Companies), sought authorization to operate a temporary construction office and storage facility on the site. The property is zoned R-16 (high density residential) and is part of the Canterbury Station community development. The existing building, formerly the Banner School administration building, will be used as a construction office. No new construction is involved; storage will be limited to office supplies and overnight parking of construction vehicles in the existing paved lot. Staff Planner Monica Robyns presented the staff report, recommending approval with findings that the use is temporary and does not adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare. The board had no questions for the applicant. Chair Racheff offered unsolicited advice to the applicant to maintain good community relations, which the applicant acknowledged. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Dixon Hicks moved to approve the temporary use for a period of six months, with authorization for the planning division to grant two subsequent six-month renewals (total not to exceed 18 months), subject to conditions: (1) applicant must apply for and receive a six-month zoning permit for the construction office and storage facility; (2) after the initial six-month period, the applicant must request renewal from the planning division for one or two consecutive six-month periods. The motion was seconded by Bob Sisson. The board voted 4-0 in favor (Sisson, Hicks, Colar, Racheff). The motion passed, and the temporary use was approved.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on July 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting was attended by Mayor (not named in transcript), Aldermen Russell, Shackleford, McShane, and O'Connor (presiding). Alderman Nash was absent due to a conference, and Alderman Gazemchek was absent due to illness. The meeting included approval of minutes, appointments to boards, consent agenda items, a public hearing on multiple agreements and purchases, and two rounds of public comments. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 20, 2024 Regular Public Meeting and Closed Session (3-0). - Appointments: Natasha Valencia to Planning Commission (five-year term); Chantell Duckett, Denise Hicks-Brown, Darren Sheffield, and Yewande Oladeinde to the Board of Directors of Weinberg Center for the Arts, Inc. (each appointed 3-0). - Consent Agenda items approved en bloc: - Release of surreties (9 items for various development bonds). - Alcohol in City Parks: Stephen Palmer Electric, Inc. (Baker Park Bocce Tournament, Sept. 21, 2024) and Black Frederick Festival (Carroll Creek Linear Park, Aug. 24, 2024). - Acceptance of deed from W.M. Rickman Construction Company for 8.128 acres (Frederick Airport Park Outlot 3). - Grant agreement for $1,000,000 from Maryland DHCD Strategic Demolition Fund for Downtown Hotel and Conference Center site prep. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Citizen Voting (First Public Comment Period): - Viviana Westbrook (Catholic Legal Immigration Network, RISE Coalition) expressed full support for allowing non-citizen residents to vote in city elections, arguing they contribute financially and deserve representation. - Dan Maluly (Frederick DSA) supported all-resident voting, citing injustice of taxing non-citizens without voting rights. - Josh Faust (resident, Jefferson Street) thanked the city for traffic calming improvements, urged against reallocating funds, and also supported non-citizen voting access. - Thomas Reina (Crater County Progressives) supported non-citizen voting as a pragmatic tool for immigrant integration and local input. - Milly Arcobo (non-citizen resident) urged that non-citizens be included in local elections, noting they pay taxes and contribute to the community. - Margarita Gallego (resident, El Salvador) spoke on behalf of immigrants, requesting the ability to vote despite being legal residents. - Ceasefire Resolution (Second Public Comment Period): - Gerald Bowen (resident, veteran) urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza, citing his personal experience and criticism of U.S. support for Israel. - Eric Musa (Frederick resident) supported a ceasefire resolution, called for discussion with Jewish community, and opposed use of tax dollars for war. Public Hearing Items (Discussion and Votes) - Purchases: - Award of IFB 24-264 for water/wastewater treatment chemicals (total $1,049,384). Approved 3-0. (Staff: Craig Lambert, Zachary Schleif) - Agreements: - Cold Weather Shelter MOU: Agreement with Frederick County and Beyond Shelter for emergency shelter operations. The city's contribution was corrected from $50,000 to $75,000 (as approved in budget). Approved 3-0 with amended amount. (Staff: Rementa Catrell) - Sports Mural at Harry Grove Stadium: MOU with Community Arts Inc. (corrected from TGP Gives) for a freestanding sports mural. Approved 3-0. (Staff: Bob Smith; speakers: Tony Chiquia, Yemi) - Lindley Road Deferral Agreement: Agreement with SJP Monocacy Investors, LLC to defer dedication of right-of-way and construction of a portion of Lindley Road in EastPark subdivision. Approved 3-0. (Staff: Gabrielle Collar; applicant: Danny Seven) - Road Mitigation Agreement: Agreement with NWHAN Frederick Airport Park LLC for road improvements (Bowman Farm Road area) outside city limits, ensuring completion prior to occupancy. Approved 3-0. (Staff: Chair Even) - Fourth Amendment to Signature Aviation Lease: Amendment to accommodate electric aircraft charging infrastructure (by Beta Technologies) at Frederick Airport, aiming for medical/organ flights in 2025. Approved 3-0. (Staff: Andrew Moore) Key Outcomes - All consent items and public hearing items were approved unanimously (3-0) with no dissenting votes. - The corrected contribution for the cold weather shelter MOU reflects the approved budget amount of $75,000 (instead of the originally listed $50,000). - The sports mural MOU was amended to name Community Arts Inc. as the lead nonprofit, not TGP Gives. - The city is seeking resident compliance with lead/copper service line inventory by July 31, 2024, as part of EPA rule compliance (deadline October 15, 2024). - No formal action was taken on public comments requesting non-citizen voting or a ceasefire resolution; the board acknowledged the comments but no vote occurred. - The meeting adjourned after the second public comment period.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a workshop on July 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss a proposed amendment to City Code Section 15-17 that would prohibit the possession, carrying, brandishing, and sale/transfer (especially to minors) of air guns, BB guns, replica firearms, and similar weapons. The Frederick Police Department (FPD) presented the ordinance, emphasizing public safety, the prevention of tragic officer-involved shootings, and the need to close legal gaps. No formal vote was taken; the workshop was intended to gather board input and direct staff to consult with the State’s Attorney’s office before bringing the ordinance to a public hearing. Presentation by the Frederick Police Department - Sergeant Murphy (FPD) led the presentation, supported by Chief Jason Lando and Mike Fry (City Legal). He explained that the current ordinance only addresses discharge of firearms, leaving a gap for carrying, brandishing, and concealing air guns and replicas. The proposed amendment would classify these items as dangerous weapons, enabling earlier enforcement. - Statistics cited: From 2022–2023, FPD documented 58 crimes involving BB guns, including malicious destruction of property, assaults on people and animals, robberies, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct. - Video evidence was shown (e.g., a news report of a 13-year-old shot by police after brandishing a pellet gun, and a medical expert discussing injuries from modern high-velocity air guns). Sergeant Murphy noted that many air guns now fire at muzzle velocities of 1,000–2,000 feet per second, comparable to conventional firearms, and can penetrate the body and cause fatal injuries. - Juvenile crime: The ordinance would allow early intervention and diversion through the YODA program, preventing escalation from BB guns to real firearms. Discussion Among Board Members - Mayor and Aldermen expressed strong support for the proposal. Alderman O’Connor commended the thorough work and noted the public safety and public health concerns. Alderman Russell also praised the research and model legislation from other jurisdictions. Alderman (name not specified) asked about enforcement, specifically how the ordinance would define these weapons as dangerous. Sergeant Murphy clarified that the amendment would explicitly categorize them as dangerous weapons, removing ambiguity for officers. - Chief Lando added that the department intends to meet with the State’s Attorney’s office to discuss implementation and prosecution. Elected Officials’ Comments (Non-Agenda Items) - Alderman (unidentified) mentioned the upcoming return to the renovated City Hall building and thanked staff. - Alderman Russell recognized the founders of the National Clustered Spires High Wheel Bicycle Race, which held its 10th annual event on July 13, 2024, with nearly 70 riders from several countries. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken; the workshop was for discussion and direction. - Next steps: The Board directed staff (FPD and City Legal) to consult with the State’s Attorney’s office to refine the ordinance and then bring it to a regular public hearing for formal consideration. - The Board unanimously expressed support for the proactive approach to public safety.